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Old 04-01-2016, 04:00 PM
laureninoz
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Please help - first time buyer!

Hi everyone,

Let me preface by saying I know absolutely nothing about telescopes.

I am hoping to buy my husband a starter telescope for his birthday this year. He also knows nothing about telescopes.

I've done that much research my head is starting to hurt. I don't want to spend too much as he tends to go through hobby phases, but I also don't want to give him anything awful that will just deter him from pursuing this.

I'm currently looking at the 'Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ MD Reflector Telescope w/Motor Drive'.

Any feedback or advice would be VERY much appreciated

Cheers,
Lauren
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  #2  
Old 04-01-2016, 04:10 PM
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rustigsmed (Russell)
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Hi Lauren,

While those sound nice and have a motor drive, I would really recommend that you go for an 8" dobsonian telescope - if the budget can stretch that far - if not try the classifieds (on this forum) for a second hand one or go down to a 6" dobsonian new.
He will get really lovely views of the planets and deep space objects and is more likely going to be using the scope for longer.

All the best,

Russ
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Old 04-01-2016, 04:26 PM
raymo
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I second that. Equatorial mounts with or without motor drives are a
novice's nightmare. A Dobsonian can be just plonked on the ground, and off you go; not so with an equatorial mount, which needs to be aligned
with the South Celestial Pole. Many novices have trouble just assembling them.
raymo
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Old 04-01-2016, 05:37 PM
laureninoz
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Hi guys,

Thanks so much for your help!

This may sound stupid, but is this the kind of thing you mean?
http://www.astronomyalive.com.au/tel...telescope.html

Thanks again!
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Old 04-01-2016, 06:04 PM
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rustigsmed (Russell)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by laureninoz View Post
Hi guys,

Thanks so much for your help!

This may sound stupid, but is this the kind of thing you mean?
http://www.astronomyalive.com.au/tel...telescope.html

Thanks again!
not stupid at all; dobsonian refers to a type of mount a telescope sits on and that is spot on it is the 6" version
you maybe able to find second hand 8" ones around the same price.

cheers
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Old 05-01-2016, 06:14 AM
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Allan_L (Allan)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by laureninoz View Post
Hi guys,

Thanks so much for your help!

This may sound stupid, but is this the kind of thing you mean?
http://www.astronomyalive.com.au/tel...telescope.html

Thanks again!
Yes, Lauren,
That would be a good choice.
Bigger (better views), Easier to set up and use.
And, if he does not continue in this hobby, easier to sell.
Where abouts are you located?
That seems to be a pretty good price you have found too!
Good Luck
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  #7  
Old 05-01-2016, 09:13 AM
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The Mekon (John Briggs)
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Yes, go for the 6" as a starter scope - can give clearer and sharper views than an 8" due to the F8 focal ratio.
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  #8  
Old 05-01-2016, 09:23 AM
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Somnium (Aidan)
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if what you are after is something that he can pull out and explore the sky, learn about astronomy and see if he wants to take it in a certain direction, you can't beat a decent sized dob. bang for the buck they are second to none.
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  #9  
Old 05-01-2016, 10:18 AM
dimithri86 (Dimithri)
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I still use the binoculars, and dob I bought 10 years ago, even though I have a nice (expensive) imaging setup now.

Nothing like dragging a dob outside and getting right to observing.
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Old 05-01-2016, 11:29 AM
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AstralTraveller (David)
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Ditto about dobs.

The other beginners issue is buying from the right place, but you seem to have that covered. The prices at Astronomy Alive seem reasonable to me. Never buy from a camera store or other non-specialist retailer. I recently saw an 8" Skywatcher dobs at the Aust Geographic store going for $800. The exact same unit at Andrews was $530 and I notice that the equivalent at Astronomy Alive is $499. Talk about buyer beware!

The classified here are a good place to buy too. Of course you could get shonkies anywhere but they are rare around here and they usually get called out by the more experienced members. I recall someone posting an add and someone quickly pointing out that you could buy a new item for about the same as they were asking. There was a price drop.

Cheers, and keep asking questions.
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Old 05-01-2016, 04:42 PM
YB
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Another newby

Hi folks,

I'm just another newby and in need of advice. I've been reading and researching what telescope should I get as a beginner and was set for a dob 8 or 10. However, I called one of the shops today and was told that a dob may be too difficult for a beginner, specially for finding and tracking objects. I was recommended something like a reflector scope such as a Saxon 150 that comes with EZ so in theory, it's easier to find objects.
I am after a telescope that allows me to see planets (Venus, Saturn) and some deep space objects. Also something that doesn't break the bank. I'm in Vic, Pakenham.
Any tips and recommendations would've appreciated.

Thank you so much,
YB
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Old 05-01-2016, 04:51 PM
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Somnium (Aidan)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by YB View Post
Hi folks,

I'm just another newby and in need of advice. I've been reading and researching what telescope should I get as a beginner and was set for a dob 8 or 10. However, I called one of the shops today and was told that a dob may be too difficult for a beginner, specially for finding and tracking objects. I was recommended something like a reflector scope such as a Saxon 150 that comes with EZ so in theory, it's easier to find objects.
I am after a telescope that allows me to see planets (Venus, Saturn) and some deep space objects. Also something that doesn't break the bank. I'm in Vic, Pakenham.
Any tips and recommendations would've appreciated.

Thank you so much,
YB
Welcome to the boards, feel free t start another thread if you like, you may get more responses.
i am not sure what they were telling you, a Dob is a reflector. reflector means that in uses mirrors instead of lenses. the saxon 150 is the exact same design as a dob, the only difference is the mount. if they are saying that you should get an equatorial mount because it is easier, that is just not true. if you are after planetary views and deep sky objects as well without breaking the bank, an 8 - 10" dob is the way to go
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Old 05-01-2016, 05:04 PM
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Allan_L (Allan)
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Hi YB,
And Welcome.
I agree totally with Aidan.
A dob is the easiest to set up and use.
and best bang for buck.
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  #14  
Old 05-01-2016, 05:21 PM
YB
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Thank you so much Somnium. I now feel more confident to go back and shop around for a Dobsonian 👍😀

Would you recommend any set of eyepieces to go with it?

Cheers,
YB
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Old 05-01-2016, 05:41 PM
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Somnium (Aidan)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by YB View Post
Thank you so much Somnium. I now feel more confident to go back and shop around for a Dobsonian 👍😀

Would you recommend any set of eyepieces to go with it?

Cheers,
YB
i am sure it will come with some eyepieces to start with, but if you are looking to upgrade someone else will have to chime in, i have never actually bought an eyepiece , my telescope usually has a camera hanging out of it instead
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  #16  
Old 05-01-2016, 10:53 PM
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barx1963 (Malcolm)
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Second all that has been said re dobs. And until you know whats what, just use the eyepieces that come with it and above all don't let them sell you an "eyepiece kit", usually very poor value ( the one exception would be this one http://www.bintel.com.au/Eyepieces-a...oductview.aspx )
Which shop recommended the Saxon 150 btw?

Malcolm
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Old 06-01-2016, 07:53 AM
YB
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Thanks for the advice Malcolm, I will avoid getting eyepieces at this stage. I've given up on the first shop (one of the large online business) and I'm currently checking out the specials from Astronomy Alive
http://www.astronomyalive.com.au/tel...telescope.html
The one from Bintel seems very similar, just a bit deerer.
Is there a difference between brands?

Cheers,
YB
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Old 06-01-2016, 08:50 AM
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barx1963 (Malcolm)
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The main brands of dobs are GSO, Skywatcher and Orion. You will also see some Saxon ones which are made as a less expensive option by Skywatcher. Bintel sell there own dobs which are rebranded GSOs.

GSO dobs are good value for $$$ in my opinion, but the Skywatcher and Orion ones are a distinct step up in quality of the build and materials.

If not in a desperate hurry to buy one, attending a camp or viewing night is a good idea. Snake Valley in March (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...81#post1223181 ) or the ASV Party at Heathcote the weekend before

I would also suggest that you start your own thread!!

Hope this helps

Malcolm
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Old 06-01-2016, 09:11 AM
YB
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Thanks one again, will start another thread. Sorry for hijacking this one
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  #20  
Old 07-01-2016, 02:34 PM
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sil (Steve)
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Plus for all the clueless newbies pick up a copy of Quasar Publishing's yearbook Astronomy 2016 Australia to go with your new scope. So much information is UScentric so this is perfect for aussies at all levels. Lots of information to learn from plus what is good to see in the sky each month.
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